Recipe: Crispy Chickpea Patties (Falafel)

This recipe is similar to a falafel? What's a falafel? It's traditional Middle Eastern food and it is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas. For this recipe, we pan-fried the patties instead of deep fry.

Crispy Chickpea Patties
(Makes about 20)

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 egg
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

PREPARATION:

1) In skillet, heat 1 tbsp of the oil over medium heat. Cook onion, garlic and cumin, stirring until onion is softened for about 2 minutes. Stir in parsley and set aside.

2) In food processor, puree chickpeas until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Mix in onion mixture, egg, flour, salt and pepper. Form into 1/2-inch (1cm) thick patties.



3) In large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Fry patties in batches and turning once until golden (for about 2 minutes per side).


4) Drain on paper towel-lined plate. Serve with Yogurt Dill Dip.


YOGURT DILL DIP:

1/2 cup Balkan-style plain yogur
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper

Line sieve with cheesecloth or strainer, set over bowl and add yogurt. Let drain in refrigerator for 1 hour. Discard liquid. Scrap yogurt into small bow. Stir in dill, salt and pepper.